ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS
Environmental rights have grown more rapidly than any other human right and are enshrined in over 100 constitutions. Tragically, whilst the right to a healthy environment is increasingly recognised, this right is increasingly violated. Irresponsible development projects and agri-businesses destroy our prospects of a safe, clean and healthy environment, as those fighting for these rights are killed at an average rate of four per week. UN Environment supports the upholding of environmental rights through The Environmental Rights Initiative; which is a coalition of state and non-state actors united to promote, protect, and respect environmental rights.
Entertainment as a tool for environmental action
Through entertainment we can promote solutions to ecosystem challenges and positively influence environmental decision-making.
During this year’s UN Environment Assembly, in Nairobi, Kenya, a panel with combined organizational reach in the hundreds of millions provided insights on how entertainment can be used to gain public support for greater environmental protection. Panelists included representatives from Globo, Latin America’s biggest media company, and Brave Bison, whose videos generate 6 billion views per month. Read more...
The environment has become the new frontline for human rights defenders
The UN Environmental Rights Initiative, launched in Geneva during the 2018 session of the UN Human Rights Council, is a major step for UN Environment in raising awareness of the need for state and non-state actors to promote, protect and respect environmental rights. The Initiative seeks to help citizens better understand their rights, as well as work with media, private sector and governments. UN Environment reached out to Donald Hernández Palma, a Honduran lawyer and human rights defender, for his take on the situation facing environmental and human rights defenders. Read more...
Environmental rule of law - first global report
The first global assessment of environmental rule of law finds that a dramatic 38-fold growth in environmental laws and agencies, plus massive investment in environmental agreements by donors, has not led to an equally pronounced improvement in the enforcement of those laws. It still comes down to political will. Environmental rule of law integrates environmental needs with the essential elements of the rule of law, and provides the basis for improving environmental governance. Read more... [Press release]
Empowering women means taking a stand for environmental rights
As the Samburu fight for control over natural resources, Samburu women are demanding to be heard. When it comes to the management of land and livestock, most Samburu women have little power: they don’t own property and are excluded from community meetings. To address this problem, the Samburu Women’s Trust empowers females from the community to participate in decision-making and influence policies that affect the Samburu. Read more...
